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Royal Family Of Rock

"The Daily Star" November 21st 1985
* originally existed on now lost website "Queen Interviews".

The Live Aid concert was one of Queen's greatest moments.

It brought the super-group more international acclaim...and big problems.

For the success Queen have reaped since last summer's appearance has almost killed the group's four members.

Since their show-stopping appearance in the pop concert of the century they have never worked harder. Which is quite the reverse of what they planned? a long rest from recording and performing.

And now British fans have been treated to an unscheduled single release ? One Vision which smashed straight into the charts at No. 9.

Jaded

America, Japan, Canada, Europe, Latin America? all want to see the royal family of rock in person. An outdoor concert in Iceland is even being considered.

But while they were snow-bound in a Munich recording studio, Queen relaxed long enough to do this interview.

Guitarist[sic] John Deacon says: "Live Aid turned our world upside down. Before it, we'd promised ourselves a good long rest? no touring, no work, no band."

But John isn't complaining, and says: "The band was rejuvenated by that wonderful day. It breathed new life into us. We had all been getting a bit tired. Jaded. Now we're bursting with enthusiasm and ideas. There's so much we want to do, it's hard to find the right order."

One Vision was due to be a track on next year's Queen album. Instead the group went straight into the studio and rush-released the single. And the album will have to wait, for Queen are NOT working on it in Munich.

The Star discovered the secret behind Queen's current recording's? they are doing the soundtrack for a sensational new blockbuster movie called Highlander, starring Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert, it will be on the screen next spring.

John explains: " We were originally asked to do just one song. But all of us are so knocked out by what we've seen of the film, we're now doing five numbers for the soundtrack."

Queen have played together for 15 years, and John freely admits that is hasn't always been harmonious.

"We argue a lot. It's inevitable. Lot's of marriages don't last as long as Queen have been together. Four personalities are bound to clash.

Arguments are healthy. They clear the air. We all have our say, then get on with the job."


Are Queen about to abdicate?

"No, we have our ups and downs, but we're all very up at the moment. None of us want Queen to split up."

Roger Taylor agrees, and says: "Queen has a magic all of it's own. We go through sticky patches but it always sorts itself out. There can be all kinds of tension around. Then we start to make music. There's a charisma that's bigger than the four people in the band. Like a well oiled machine. It clicks into place, it works."

The magic never worked better than the Live Aid concert.

"We were so proud to be there," says Roger, "It galvanised the group into action. When Bob Geldof first asked us to do it we thought he'd never get it together. How wrong can you be?"

John was too shy to meet Princess

When it comes to owning up time , John Deacon has to admit that he has one regret about the Live Aid spectacular.

"I was too shy to go and meet Princess Diana," he says sheepishly.

"I'm a great fan, and really wanted to meet her. I just got nervous. When it came to it. I thought I'd make a fool of myself and not be able to think of anything interesting to say."

John could have told Diana that he would like Queen to work for the Prince's Trust.

"Prince Charles is doing a great job for young people. He shows genuine concern and interest."

Roger Taylor joins in with an observation on the youth of today. "They're so conservative, it's reflected in the music scene. Young bands want this clean-cut, goody-goody image."

With more than a hint of pride Roger adds: "Queen are never goody-goodies. We love partying and nightclubbing ? falling into bed in the early hours of the morning."

Freddie Mercury usually leads the night-time forays.

He is on home ground in Munich. Living there for most of the year, he is an expert on the night club scene.

His triumphant appearance at the Fashion Aid show has given him a new macho image.

Obviously tickled pink, he reveals: "They wanted ME to crown the new Miss World!"


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